Staff from Carrickfergus NIR & Ulsterbus, Jordanstown NIR and Downpatrick Ulsterbus facilities are celebrating, following their achievement of "Gold Level" awards in the TIDY Translink Awards programme.

The TIDY Translink awards have been developed through the partnership between Translink and TIDY Northern Ireland and are designed to encourage staff to take pride in their facilities and their immediate environment.

Greg McKernan, Inspector, Downpatrick Ulsterbus is delighted to be the only Ulsterbus facility to achieve a Gold award and says, "The thanks are to the staff, especially Paul Savage for all his hard work in keeping Downpatrick Depot in top shape. These awards show the staff, customers and local community, Translink's commitment to a cleaner environment".

In 2007, 31 Translink facilities received Bronze and Silver level awards, with 3 additional facilities excelling to achieve Gold!

Melanie Gibson, Environment Officer, TIDY Northern Ireland said, "the Gold awards are a great achievement and give recognition to the staff at the facilities for all their hard work and commitment to enhancing their workplace, the environment around them and the community in which they serve."

Frank Moore, Line Manager with Northern Ireland Railways, was also quick to recognise the value of the award scheme. "The TIDY Translink awards are a positive step towards changing attitudes and behaviour both with staff and the public, with regards to the environment and littering throughout Translink facilities and the surrounding areas," he said.

The 2008 assessments are due to get under way shortly with staff and managers working to maintain and improve on their performances in 2007.